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Authorities announced Friday that the state medical examiner's office in Richmond had positively identified human remains found a week ago as Graham's. The 18-year-old University of Virginia student went missing early Sept. 13.

A search team from the Chesterfield County's Sheriff's Office found the remains Oct. 18 on an abandoned property in the 3100 block of Old Lynchburg Road in Albemarle County. The finding led police to contact Graham's parents and announce that the search for the second-year student had turned into a death investigation.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Hannah," Graham's parents, John and Sue, said in a statement Friday. "Over recent weeks Hannah has been described by those who know her as bright, witty, thoughtful, loyal and fun to be around. She was all those things and more."

The Grahams said they will keep their daughter in their hearts.

"Although we have lost our precious Hannah, the light she radiated can never be extinguished," they said. "We will hold it in our hearts forever and it will help sustain us as we face a painful future without her."